Oilers’ Brett Kulak set to play 600th NHL game

When the Oilers hit the ice tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes, Brett Kulak will officially be suited up for his 600th NHL game. Not bad for an Edmonton kid who had to scratch and claw his way into the league the long way. Nothing has ever been handed to Kulak, and getting to 600 NHL games played is the kind of milestone that comes from grinding your way through bus trips, sticking with it, getting better, and never giving anyone a reason to take your spot.

Drafted by the Flames in the fourth round (#105) back in 2012, Kulak bounced between the NHL and AHL for years before finally sticking at the top level, made a name for himself in Montreal, and then came home to Edmonton in a deadline deal in 2022 that sent William Lagesson and a couple of picks the other way. Since then, he has been one of those guys who quietly do their job every night without much fanfare or hassle. Over 599 games, Kulak has put up 28 goals and 99 assists for 127 points, chipped in 628 blocked shots, and averaged just under 17 minutes per night. He’s never the sexiest defenceman on the roster, but he’s usually one of the most reliable.

So far this season, Kulak has two assists through 19 games while playing north of 18 minutes per night. And even though the results around him haven’t always been great, he’s a guy you can always bank on to figure it out. Whether it’s up or down the lineup, Kulak has a knack for giving the Oilers steady minutes and it’s been a blessing to have that versatility available every night. He skates well, breaks up cycles effectively, moves the puck well with his legs or a pass, and never tries to be something he’s not. Coaches and fans love that kind of player because they never have to guess what version of the guy is showing up on any given night.

Over his time with us, Kulak has also been a guy you can also count on having in the lineup every night. He has played every single game in each of his last three seasons, set a career high in goals (7) and points (25) during the 2024-25 campaign, and logged 98 career playoff games along the way, including both deep runs with the Oilers. Even though Kulak doesn’t put up big numbers, he’s historically been a pillar of stability on a blue line that desperately needs it, and you notice it immediately if he’s not at his best.

Kulak is in the final year of the four-year contract he signed back in 2022, which carries a $2.75 million cap hit before he hits unrestricted free agency this summer. For a fourth-round pick who had to grind for years just to stay in the league, getting to 600 games is an accomplishment to be proud of. And to do it with his hometown team, wearing the jersey he grew up watching, makes it even better. Tonight is a big moment for Brett Kulak, and he has earned every minute of it.